Losing weight can actually have a lot to do with gaining: Think mental strength, understanding, and self-acceptance (insert raised hands emoji here). These 10 women may have some seriously amazing weight loss in common, but their journeys are all uniquely inspiring: From their reason to start to their motivation to keep going, these women have learned tons along the way—and they're sharing their struggles, triumphs, and what their weight loss means to them.

SELF chatted with the inspiring women below to find out what they've learned in the process. Here are the surprising, confusing, and inspiring revelations from their weight-loss journeys.

Pounds may melt quickly at first, but don't be discouraged by plateaus along the way.

Kymber Moore, 23, lost 75 pounds

"The biggest surprise for me was how quickly I've lost weight. It always seemed like such a slow process. Being a huge fan of instant gratification, it was very helpful to watch the pounds fall of so quickly...[but] I knew that at some point I would hit a plateau. After losing weight so consistently for seven months it is really disheartening. But at the same time I'm really happy with what I've done so far. Now that it's getting warmer I've been playing tennis, which has been super awesome. I definitely realize how much easier it is now that I've lost so much weight."

You don't have to do everything at once. You can focus on healthier eating first, and incorporate exercise when you're ready.

Seana Vogt, 27, lost 55 pounds

"I didn't think it was possible to lose as much weight as I have and as quickly without working out once...[but] all of the weight I've lost is from changing my eating habits. They say abs are made in the kitchen and I believe that more than anything. I have proof! My schedule is extremely busy between working full time and keeping up with two children, a boyfriend, and a dog...We have a great routine at home and [I wasn't] quite ready to throw something new in the mix yet. I plan on adding in some type of exercise into my routine as well as sticking to my clean-eating plan."

Your body will undergo a lot of changes, but you'll learn to love it.

Doni Imes, 30, lost 60 pounds

"I have stretch marks and loose skin galore now, but it's strong and it's sexy and for the first time in my life, I'm proud of it, flaws and all. I feel incredibly sexy...with loose skin all over my lower stomach!"

You find out who's really cheering you on... and who's not.

Tina White, 31, lost 155 pounds

"The most challenging part of this journey was being strong enough to walk away from the people and things that were holding me back. I had to learn very quickly that if someone isn't in your corner then you just have to let them go. The people who truly care for you want you to succeed! [I also had to] sacrifice things like having a social life in the beginning, when I knew I wasn't mentally ready to be around food and drinks without losing control. Not everyone was understanding of this but I had to do what was best for me, and that wasn't easy."

Self-investment is what really matters here.

Renee Beauregard, 26, lost 50 pounds

"My weight loss means I gave myself the love and time I deserved all along. Becoming a mother, my first instinct was to put all of my energy and time into my daughter, but I was losing myself in that cycle. Taking the time to eat better and getting some activity in each day made me happier and more energetic for myself and my family."

Weight loss may help kick-start more positive changes in your life.

Clarissa Holmes, 24, lost 70 pounds

"As proud of myself as I am of my physical transformation, I am more proud of my mental and spiritual transformation. I knew I had to change my outlook on life...and focus on being the best possible version of myself. I started going to counseling, reading a book a week from the New York Public Library, [and] doing whatever I could do to better myself and my relationships with people around me. I still have a long way to go but these few adjustments in my life have made a world of difference."

Losing weight doesn't automatically mean you gain confidence.

Rebecca Kennedy, 22, lost 60 pounds

"The most challenging part of my journey has been my body image issues. I've struggled with being insecure and self-conscious my entire life, so I really had no idea how to feel confident. Even after losing weight, for a while I still saw myself as huge, and struggled with being comfortable and confident in my new body. I started my discovery into self-love by reading the book Intuitive Eating, going to therapy, and making my fitness goals less 'appearance-oriented.''"

Dropping pounds doesn't change who you are.

Amy Moore, 23, lost 50 pounds

"Yes, I am 50 pounds lighter than I was before, but I am still Amy. I still struggle with negative thoughts, I still sometimes dislike what I see in the mirror, but I also loved who I was before, and I still love who I am now. If you don't love yourself at 200 pounds, you won't love yourself at 150 pounds."

And it doesn't define you, but it does make you crazy proud of what you can accomplish.

Heather Crockett, 32, lost 78 pounds

"My weight loss does not define me. Anyone can do this, but I was committed. I did it for me. No one held me accountable. No one forced me to do it. I still can't believe that I have lost all this weight in the last year, but I am incredibly proud of myself for doing it all. And that is the best feeling in the world."

And you just might find the self-love that you've been looking for along the way.

Kayte Hennick, 22, lost 90 pounds

"I used to spend a lot of time thinking I wasn't good enough, wasn't smart enough, wasn't pretty enough—that I just simply wasn't enough. But I was always enough, I just had to learn that for myself. When I stopped criticizing my flaws and started loving myself, I realized that I deserved more... Through this journey, I have found my confidence and discovered unwavering self-love. It's a process of freeing yourself from everything that holds you back. Your physical appearance does not define you. You are strong, you are beautiful, you are intelligent and you are deserving of true happiness."